How to choose a dog breeder
Choosing a puppy is a long-term commitment and
should not be taken lightly. Selecting the right breed and breeder
is essential for both you and the pup. The following questions may
help you make the best decision when picking your puppy:
- What is the right breed for
you?
- Many factors have to be
considered to get the right pup for your lifestyle such as size,
temperament and cost. You should pick a breed with known qualities
such e.g. German Shepard’s are hardworking and protective while
Pugs are generally confident and attention seeking.
- What traits should I look
for?
- Check that the pup is active and
playful with bright eyes, has no nasal discharge, correctly aligned
teeth, shiny coat and good hearing and eyesight (if you jingle keys
the ears should perk and the eyes try to trace).
- What makes a good
breeder?
- A good breeder will be
knowledgeable about the breed and common traits along with genetic
problems, also specific information about the actual puppy. Keep in
mind a good breeder is looking out for their puppy. You may feel
interrogated by the volume of questions you are asked but hopefully
he/she will have the same goals as you, trying to match the right
dog to the right family.
- What about the
paperwork?
- When you have a contract with the
breeder it is more than a bill of sale, it guarantees your rights
in the transaction and is also a document for the history of the
dog.
- What else should I
check?
- If possible ask to see both the
pup’s parents. If that is not possible ask to see any photos,
history or paperwork. Ask to see the environment where the dog was
raised. Check it is clean and well maintained with suitable
facilities for the dog such as water and toys. At 8 weeks the pup
should have at least one vaccination for distemper, parvo,
hepatitis and Para-influenza plus at least I dose of dewormer.